Convertible vehicle



v 2 1953 w. WIESNER EI'AL 2,660,442

CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 10, 1951 e m m 5m M m p. VWF M m W. 7 i H W w V. B I. H

N 4. 1953 w. WIESNER ETAL 2,660,442

CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE Filed July 10, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR5 ,4 Trap/Vi)? N v 953 w. WIESNER ETAL 2,660,442

CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE Filed July 10, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR5' Nov 24, 1953 w. WIESNER ETAL 2,660,442

CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE Filed July 10, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR5 Patented Nov. 24, 1953 2,660,442 CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE Wayne Wiesner and Frank Field,

Palo Alto, Calif.

Application July 10,1951, Serial No. 235,986

19 Claims.

This invention relates to a convertible vehicle.-

A main object of the present invention is'to provide a vehicle that is convertible into a multiplicity of common types of vehicles so thatit is necessary for a purchaser to buy only the convertible vehicle embodying the concepts of the present invention and not a plurality of separate vehicles as would otherwise be required.

More particularly, a main object of the present invention is to provide a convertible vehicle convertible into, among other types of vehicles, a rear drive tricycle, a short frame, front wheel drive tricycle, a long frame, front wheel drive tricycle, a bicycle, and a scooter.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a convertible vehicle as above described that is simple in construction and requires a minimum number of parts, and which vehicle requires a minimum amount of garage space.

Various other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a side view in elevation of a vehicle embodying the concepts of the present invention, Fig. 1 depicting a rear drive tricycle.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, enlarged sectional view along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 showing the rear axle mounting and drive.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 48 of Fig. 1. V

Fig. 5 is an exploded View of the step plate and foot rest member.

Fig. 6 is a view in elevation of a bicycle having an outrigger thereon, said bicycle being one of the forms into which the vehicle of the present invention can be converted.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view along line 1-7 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a long frame, front wheel drive tricycle which can be produced by a rearrangement and appropriate selections of parts of the device disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 9 is an elevation view of the device disclosed in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary View of a short frame, front drive tricycle which can be produced'by a rearrangement and proper selection of the parts disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 11 is a View in elevation of a scooter which can be produced by a proper selection and rearrangement of the parts of the tricycle disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2, plus the outrigger T-frame disclosed in Fig. 6.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a portion of the dewherein similar reference characters designate by the outer race 67 to axle 39, whereas similar parts throughout, the device disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises a frame 29 having a front bearing 2| rotatably receiving the shank (not shown) of a fork 23, said fork rotatably supporting a front wheel 24. Drivingly connected to the upper end of fork 23 within the bearing 2| is the lower end of the shank 25 of handle bars 21, the fork 23 and shank 25 being suitably detachably connected together in a fashion which is well known in the art. A lock collar 25 is secured to shank 25 by a set screw 39 to limit downward movement of the shank 25.

Frame 20 has a rear fork 35 detachably secured to frameZB by means of a bolt 36 and nut 31, said rear fork forming an extension for frame 2e and permitting the frameto be shortened by the removal of the extension 35. A rear axle 39 is rotatably supported by fork 35 by means of bearings 68 (see Fig. 3) Bearings 40 have inner races #2, balls 33 and outer races 44, said outer races being formed with threaded nipple portions at which receive nuts 47. The prongs of fork 35 are suitably apertured to receive the nipples 46, as clearly shown in Fig. 8, and washers are provided whereby the prongs of rear fork 35 are clamped between the nut l! and the outer races d4 of the bearings). There are bifurcated portions 52 of a foot rest member 53 also clamped between nuts 4! and outer races 44 but the construction of foot rest 53 will be described more in detail hereinafter.

There is a sprocket 55 removably fixed to rear axle 39 bymeans of a set screw 56, said sprocket being disposed adjacent the inner race 42 of the left-hand bearing, as the parts are depicted in Fig. 3, and adapted to be driven by means of a chain 58. A collar is secured by set screw 6| to the shaft 39 and is disposed adjacent the inner race 42 of the right-hand bearing, as the parts are depicted in Fig. 3, for the purpose of limiting axial movement of axle 39.

There are rear wheels rotatably mounted on the ends of the shaft 39, each wheel including a bearing 66having an outer race 61, balls t8 and an inner race 69 secured to axle 39 by means of a set screw 10 which is manipulated through an opening H provided in the outer race 61. The inner race 69 is provided with a fiat 13 to cooperate with a set screw threadedly secured to prevent rotation between the outer race and inner race and therefore allow driving of wheels 65 through axle 39.

In providing a rear wheel drive tricycle, one of the wheels 65 will. be non-rotatably secured the other wheel will be rotatable on rear axle 39. By such arrangement, a rear wheel drive is provided and yet the tricycle allowed to turn corners with ease since the free wheel is not driven and will rotate at its own speed as determined by engagement with the ground.

Chain 58 is enclosed by a chain guard 84 and. is

. shown in Figs. 8, 9

I) s; driven by means; of pedals 86, cranks 81 and crankshaft B8 (compare Figs. 2 and 4) through a sprocket 90 which is secured to crankshaft 88 by means of a set screw 9|. Cranks 81 are also secured by means of set screw 92 to crankshaft 88 (see Fig. 4). Crankshaft 88 is rotatably supported from frame 20 by means of a bearing 95,;

which is fixed to and forms a part of a hanger 96 which is removably secured to frame 20 by being provided with a clevis portion 91 and a bolt 08' Bearing 95 includes a tubular outer threaded bore H8 extending completely therethrough, said'bore adapted to receive threaded studs I20 for the purpose of engaging thestem H4 (see Fig. 1) for adjustably supporting the stem within the post I I0.

. Hanger 06 is provided with slots IM to permit adjustment of the hanger relative to the frame 20 for purposes to be described.

The post H is suitably braced by foot rest 53 which is adapted to be positioned in an inclined position as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and in a horizontal position such as shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 11. In the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the foot rest member 53 does not perform a footrest function butserves as a bracing member for the post H0. The foot rest member 53 is provided with a clevis I30 adapted to be secured tothe post H bynuts I3! which threadonto threaded studs I and clamp the ends of the clevis against the enlargement H6 on posts H0. 5

Foot rest member 53 has the rear end thereof forked at I35, said foot rest member terminating in downwardly extending, bifurcated portions 52 previously referred to in connection with the manner of mounting rear axle 39, said construction allowing the foot rest member 53 to be readilyremoved from the mile and nipples 48 by direct separating movement and'in contrast to axial movement.

A step plate member I40 is secured in overlying position on the foot rest member 53 and covers the fork portion I of the foot rest member 53. Step plate I has depending sides I4I provided with slots I42 which are arranged longitudinally of the lower portion of theframe'-20 and are adapted to register in part with vertical slots'l45 provided in foot rest 53 to allow the stepplate to be readily secured to the foot rest member by 'bolts'I48 and nuts I49, as best appreciated'by comparing Figs. 1 and 5.

Step plate member I40 is provided with lateral- .ly extending step portions I which are curved,

as best shown in Fig. '5, so that the feet of a child are. suitably supported by-the step portion I50 when the step portion is inclined, as shown in Figs. 1 and'2, or in a'horizontal position, such as and 10. The curvature of the laterally extending portions I50 is such that the center of curvature is approximately at-the radius of swing of the foot rest member 53, which is, for all practical purposes,the axis of rear axle 39. The step plate member I40 has a clevis at I54 ..receivable.through slots I51 in'foot rest member being operable to allow attachplate member I40 to the frame as shown in Fig. 10,

53, said clevis I54 ment of the step 20 in the position of the parts to be' more fully-described -when the foot rest member 53' is removed. Step plate member I40 is also provided with an aperture I55 to allow the step plate member to be secured to the hanger 96, as shown in Fig. 10, which is also to be described more in detail hereinafter.

The devicedisclosed in Figs. 1 and 2 is a chain driven, rear drive tricycle in which construction the seat H5 is supported by a post H0 which is braced by the foot rest member 53. Although a chain drive is shown for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that an equivalent drive such as a belt drive could be substituted therefor.

The device disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2 can be converted into a bicycle, such as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, by removing step plate I40, by the removal of nuts and bolts I48 and I49, and the addition of a rear fender I10, which fits within the forked portion I35 of foot rest 53 and is secured to the foot rest by suitable bracket means I1 I, as clearly shown in Fig. 6, and also supported by means of braces I12 as shown in Fig. 6. The rear axle 39, which is relatively long, is replaced by a shorter axle I11, and only one of the wheels 05 is'used and is supported by axle I11 and between the prongs of'rear fork 35. In constructing the bicycle shown in Figs. 6 and '7, it can be seenfrom Fig. 3 that the bearing 86 of wheel just'fits between the hub of sprocket 55 and the inner race of the right-hand bearing 40 as the parts are depicted in Fig. 3, the arrangement being shown in dot-dash line. The sprocket 55 is mounted on the short rear axle I11 in'the same manner as it is mounted as shown in Fig. 3 on the long rear axle 39. The bicycle can, therefore, be constructed from the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2 by the addition of only two main pieces, the fender I10 and the rear axle I11, and by the elimination of the step plate I49, 'axle' 33 and one wheel 65.

If desired, an outrigger having a T-sliaped frame I19 and wheels I can be attached to the bicycle with the shank I8I of the T-shaped frame I18 being receivable through the rear end of frame 20, as best shown in Fig. 7 and secured to the frame by means of a set screw I03. Set screw I83 is threaded into the shank of rear fork 35, as; best shown in Fig. 3, there being suitable clearance holes provided in the tubular wall of the end of frame 20 to clear the heads of the set screws.

A scooter construction, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, can be provided by modifying the bicycle construction, shown in Figs. 6 and 7, in the following manner. The hanger 96, post H0, and seat I-I5 are completely removed along with sprocket 00, chain 58 and sprocket 55 on rear axle I11. The chainguard 84 is, of course, also removed. The outrigger I19 provided on the bicycle, which is an optional construction, would be also removed. The nuts 41 on the rear axle I11 of the construction shown in Figs. 6 and '1 are loosened to permit the swinging of foot rest 53 from the position shown in Fig. 6 to the position in Fig, 11, where the clevis I30 on foot rest member 53 embraces the frame 20 and is secured to the frame by a suitable nut and bolt I89, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. To restate, the conversion of the scooter from the bicycle comprises in removing the drive to the rear axle, the seat post and seat; and the foot rest member 53 is the bearing ii of the part of frame 20, and is' adapted to drivingly engage the fork 23. The shank I3I of T-shaped frame I19 which was used to support the outrigger wheels I80 on the bicycle, is inserted into post H and secured by studs I20. Suitable handle bar grips can be applied to frame I19. As an alternate arrangement, the regular handle bars 2?, as shownin the construction of Figures 1, 2, 6 and 7, may be be converted into a short frame, front drive -tri-' cycle, and a long frame, front drive tricycle. The long frame, front drive tricycle is disclosed in Figs. 8 and 9 and the conversion takes place as follows: The drive mechanism, including hanger 96, crankshafts 08, sprocket 90, chain 58 and sprocket 55 on the rear axle 39, is removed, but the rear axle is utilized in the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 3 and 9. The step plate I 40, which is removed for the construction-of a bicycle and a scooter is left'in place for the construction of the long frame front wheel tricycle, as disclosed in Figs. 8 and 9, but the post I I 0 and seat II are removed and the foot rest member 53 is swung downwardly where the clevis I thereon embraces the frame and is secured to the frame by nut and bolt I89. Stem I IA of seat I I5 is receivable within a bore I95 in frame 20 as shown in Fig. 9 and adapted to be secured to the frame in adjusted position by means of suitable screws I91. The cranks 81 and pedals 85 are secured on the protruding ends of front axle 26, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, by means of their set screws 92, front axle 26 having the same cross-sectional dimensions and configurations as the crank 88 and the rear axles 33 and I". With this arrangement, a long frame carry-all front wheel drive tricycle is provided, which allows at least three children to be supported by the tricycle, one child being seated on seat I I5, another child standing on the foot rest member 53 and a third child standing on the step plate I40,

A short frame front drive tricycle can be provided and constructed from the device disclosed in Fig. 1 by removing the drive and utilizing the hanger 96 by fastening the hanger to the rear end of frame 20 by means of bolt 36 and nut 31,

this construction being best appreciated by comparing Figs. 3 and 10, bolt 36 being receivable through the slots IOI in the clevis portion 91 of hanger 96. The slots IOI in the hanger 95 permit the disposition of the hanger such that the threaded bore therein assumes a vertical position as the parts are depicted in Fig. 10 to enable the 'step plate I to be secured to the hanger by 'cured to the frame by the screw I99, as described above and by means of a nut and bolt 200, see

foot rest member 53 and the rear fork 35 and the provision ofa foot supporting member on the short frame 20 by means of the step platemem ber I40, as clearly shown in Fig. 10.

' BY the present invention, a convertible vehicle has been provided which can be transformed by a suitable selection of parts into any one ofa multiplicity of different types of vehicles. ,It is contemplated that the various parts disclosed can be assembled in other relationships but the primary relationship has been shown. A minimum number of parts for the various vehicles has been provided which parts are simple in construction and which allow for ready conversionfrom one construction to the other. By the convertible invention of the present invention, a purchaser may buy a single vehicle which can be transformed to meet the needs of agrowing child so as to provide a short frame tricycle, as shown in Fig. 10, and later a long frame, front wheel drive tricycle, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. As the child grows older, the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of a rear wheel drive tricycle can be provided and then as the child grows still older, a bicycle as shown in Fig. 6 or a scooter shown in Fig. 11 can'be provided. It is obvious,

of course, that the different arrangements can be obtained as desired, so that the child at any single age can be provided with any of the different modifications as desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: l. A convertible vehicle including a wheeled vehicle frame, a seat post removably connected at its lower end to the frame, a seat on the upper end of the post, a foot rest member connected to the frame for movement from an inclined position to a horizontal position and having means on its upper end for connection to the upper end of the post when in its inclined position for bracing the same and when said seat post is removed to the frame when in its horizontal position to provide a foot rest, said foot rest member presenting a relatively wide generally flat upper surface to support the foot of the rider when the foot rest member is in its horizontal position.

2. A convertible vehicle including a wheeled vehicle frame,-a seat post removably connected at its lower end to the frame, a seat on the upper end of the post, a foot rest member connectedv to the frame for movement from an inclinedposition to a horizontal position and having a clevis on the upper end thereof enabling connection to the upper end of the post when in its inclined position for bracing the same or when said seat post is removed to the frame when in its horizontal position to provide a foot rest, said foot rest member presenting a relatively wide generally flat upper surface to support the foot of the rider when the foot rest member is in its horizontal position.

3. A convertible vehicle including a wheeled vehicle frame, a seat post removably connected at its lower end to the frame, a seat on the upper end of the post, a foot rest member connected to the frame for movement from an inclined position to a horizontal position and having means on its upper end for connection to the upper end of the post when in its inclined position for bracing the same and when said seat post is removed to the frame when in its horizontal positionto provide a foot rest, a step plate secured to the foot rest member and having lateral step portions for providing support for the feet ofa person in either position of the foot rest member. 1 4. A convertible vehicle including a wheeled vehicle frame, a seat post removably connected at its lower end to the frame, a seat on the upper end of the post, a foot rest member connected to m tes-2.,

the; framelforemovement fromtgan -;inclined: position tora horizontal position and having mean-s posed'scurved step portions; the center oi -curvature 'ofeach being app'r oximately at the'axis of swing of thefootrestimemberto thereby-provide support for the-feet ofa person-ineither positionof the foot rest member.

5'. '-A'-.'convertib1e vehicle 1 includinga wheeled vehicle frame; a seatrpost removably connected at its lower -end to theframe; a seat on the upper endrofithe post, ta foot-rest'member connected totlie'irame for movement from -:an inclined posiname a horizontal position and having a clevis on the'upper' end thereof enabling connection to th'e' upper end of the post? when in its'inclined position-for bracing the same or when said seat post isremovedto the frame when in its horizontal position to provide a foot rest, a stepplate secured to the fo'otrestmember and having laterally disposed curvedstep-portions, the center of curvatureof each being approximatelyat the axisof-swing of thefoot rest member to thereby providersupport for=the feet of a person in either position of the foot rest-member.

6; A co'nvertible vehicle includinga -'rear axle having at-least one wheel 'non-rotatably' mounted thereon, a vehicle frame having at the rear end means forrotatab'ly supporting the rear axle-and having'ra 'removable extension having means for rotatablyirsupportingthe rear axle whereby the vehicle-*can 'be shortened or lengthened, means including .a 'removable' I chain 1 drive to the rear axle enabling whenattachcd'the driving of the rear' wheat-- and when removed free =rotation of the rear: wheel, a seat post removably connected at. its-flower end tothe frame, a seat having. a stem receivable in the upperend of theseat post and alsoreceivable in the frame forwardly of the post toenable provision of a seat when the post is' removed, a foot rest member removably mount.- edby its rear end on the extension for movement froman inclined-positionito a horizontal position and having -onits upper end means for connection to -the upper tender the post-to brace Y the same or when said seat post is removed to the'frame to provide a foot rest-and being removable to enable shortening ofsthe-vehicle a step plate having lateralstepportions and-being removably securedto the-foot rest member and having means for connection to theframe-when the step plate is separated from the-foot rest member and saidfoot rest-:member is =removed from the frame;

LA-convertible vehicleincluding a rear :axle having. at least one wheel rotatably mounted thereon, said wheel having means ifor permitting thewheel to be non-rotatably secured to the axley: a-vehicle frame having at the rear end nieans for rotatably supporting, the rear-axle A and having a removable extension alsohaving means for rotatably supporting the 1 rear axle whereby the'vehicle can be shortened or-lengthened,- means including a removable'chain drive fronr'mid frame to the rear axle to-enablewhen attached driving of the rear wheel and 'When removedfree rotation of the rear wheel, a .seat postremovably connected at its lower end to the frame; a seat-having. 'a; stem receivable 1 inthe upper end of I the :seat: 1 post and also receivable ing means on its upper end for connection to the.

upper end of the post when inits inclined posi-.. tionto-brace the same or when said seat post. removed tothe frame when. in its horizontal;

position to provide a foot rest and being removable to enable shortening of the vehicle, a step plate havinglateral step portions, and being =removably secured to the foot rest member land having: means for connection to the frame when r thestep plate is separated-fromthe :foot rest. member and said foot rest membertis removed from the frame.

8. A convertible-vehicle including a rear. axle.

having a wheel rotatably mounted on eachendthereof, each wheelhaving-means permitting the wheel to be non-rotatably secured tothe axle, .a vehicle frame having at the rear end means-for. rotatably supporting the rearaxle andhavinga removable extension-having means for rotatably supporting the rear axle whereby the. vehicle can be shortened or lengthened and the axle mounted on the shortened or lengthened vehicle, means including a removable chain drive from mid-frame to the rear axle-to enable. when attached driving the rear wheel and when removed free rotation of the rear wheel, a seatpost. removably connected at its lowerend to the. frame, a seathaving a stem receivable inthe upper end of the seat post and also receivable inthe frame forwardly of the post'to enable provision of..a

seat when the post is removed, a bracing. foot rest member removably mounted by its rear end on the extension for movement fromaninclined position to ahorizontal position. and having on its upper end means for enabling connection-to the upper end of .thepost when in its inclined position to brace the same and whensaidseat post is removed" to-thev frame when inits horizontal position toprovide afoot rest and being removable toenable shortening of the frame of the vehicle, a step-plate having lateral step portions and being .removably secured to the foot rest member-and havingmeans for connection tothe framewhen the-step plate is separated from the'foot rest member and:saidafoot rest member is removed from the frame.

9. A-convertible vehicle including a'rear axle having .a wheel-rotatably mounted on-eachend thereof, each'wheel having means permitting the wheel to-be non-rotatably secured to the axle, a vehicleframe having at-the rear end means for rotatably supporting the rear axle, means including a removable chain drive from midframeto'the rear axle to enable whenattached driving of the rear wheels, a seat post removably secured 'at its lower end-to'the frame, a seat having -a-'stem' receivable-in the 'upper ends of the seat post and'also-receivable in the frame forwardly of the-post to enable the provision oi-a seat when the postis removed, a foot rest member adjustably mounted by its rear end tothe frame for movement from an inclined position foot rest member is in either its inclined or horizontal position.

10. A convertible vehicle including a rear axle having a wheel rotatably mounted on each end thereof, each wheel having means permitting the wheel to be non-rotatably secured to the axle, a vehicle frame having at the rear end means for rotatably supporting the rear axle, means including a removable chain drive from mid-frame to the rear axle to enable when attached driving of the rear wheels, a seat post removably secured at its lower end to the frame, a seat having a stem received in the upper end of and connected to the seat post and being removable and receivable in the frame forwardly of the post to enable the provision of a seat when the post is removed, a foot rest member adjustably mounted by its rear end to the frame for movement from an inclined position to a horizontal position and having at its upper end means for connection to the upper end of' the post when in its inclined position to brace the same or when said seat post is removed to the frame when in its horizontal position to provide a foot rest, a step plate secured to the foot rest member having lateral disposed curved step per tions for providing support for the feetof a person when the foot rest member is in either its inclined or horizontal position. 1

11. A convertible vehicle including a rear axle having at least one wheel rotatably mounted thereon having meansfor permitting thewheel to be non-rotatably secured to the axle, a vehicle frame having a forked rear end adapted to receive the rear wheel and having bearings for rotatably supporting the rear axle, means including a removable chain drive from the mid-frame ,tothe rear axle enabling when attached the driving of the rear wheel and when removed the free rotation of the rear wheel, a seat post removably connected at its lower endto the frame, a seat on vthe upper end of the post, a foot rest member having a forked rear end for clearing the rear wheel when the rear wheel is mounted,

between the forked end of the frame and being 4;; for removably rotatably, supporting the same,

mounted on the forked rear end of ,theframe for movement from an inclined position to a horizcntal position and having means on its-upper end for connection to the upper end of the post when in its inclined position to brace the same w or when said seat post is removed to the frame when in its horizontal position to provide a foot rest. i

a 12. A convertible vehicle including a rear axle having at least one wheel rotatably mounted L thereon having means for permitting the wheel to be non-rotatably secured to the axle, a vehicle frame having a forked rear end adapted to receive the rear wheel and having bearingsfor,

rotatably supperting the rear axle, means inv cluding a removable chain drive from mid-frame to the rear axle enabling when "attached the driving of the rear wheeland when 1'emoved free rotation of the rear wheel, a seat post removably connected at its lower end to the frame, a seat having one wheel non-rotatably mounted thereon, a vehicle frame having a forked rear end adapted to receive the rear wheel and bearings for rotatably supporting the rear axle, means including a removable chain drive from mid-frame to the rear axle enabling when attached the driving of the rear wheel and when removed the free rotation of the rear wheel, a seat post removably connected at its lower end to th frame, a seat on the upper end of the post, a foot rest member having a forked rear end for clearing the rear wheel and connected to the rear forked end of the frame for movement from an inclined position to a horizontal position and having a clev-is on its upper endfor connection to the upper end of the post or the frame to provide a foot rest.

14. A convertible vehicle including a rear axle having a .wheel rotatably mounted on each end thereof, each wheel having means permitting the wheel to be non-rotatably secured to the axle, a vehicle frame having a removable extension provided with bearings for removably rotatably supporting the rear axle, whereby said frame can be shortened by removal of the extension, means including a removable chain drive from mid-frame to the rear axle enabling when attached the driving of the rear wheels and when removed the free rotation of the rear wheels, said last-named means vincluding acrankshaft and a hanger removably rotatably supporting the crankshaft and being secured to therframe forwardly of the juncture of the extension and the frame in which position it supports the crankshaft, said hanger having means for connection to the frame at the rear end thereof when the extension is removed in which position it is adapted to receive the axle V. and a seat adapted to be supported by the frame at the point where said crankshaft hanger is. secured to the frame when said crankshaft vhaving a wheel rotatably mounted on each end thereof, each wheel. having means permitting the wheel to -be non-,rotatably secured'to the axle,; a vehioleframe having a removable ex tension provided with: bearings for removably having a" stem received in the upper end of and cjonnectedto the-seat pcst andbeing removable and receivable inthe frame forwardly of the post to enable the provision of a seat when the post is removed, andafootres't member having a forked rear end for clearing the rearwheei when Y the rear wheel isv mounted between the V forke'd endof the frame anclbeing mountedfonj the'forked end of the fran'ie .for-mcvement frcm an inclined position to a horizontal position and rotatably supportingthe rear axle,rwhereby said frame can; be shortened by removal-of the extension; means including a removable chain drivefrom mid-frame to the rear axle enabling when, attached the; driving of the rearwheels and when removed thefree rotation ofthe rear wheels, said last-named means including a crankshaft and a hanger removably rotatably supporting the crankshaft and being securable' to the frame forwardly of the junctureof ,the' extension and the frame in which position it ,i l ports the crankshaft or tothe frame at the,

juncture of theextension andthe frame,,when

' thejextension is removed in which positionj' it is iadapted to receive, the" axle for removably ,,rotatably supporting ,the same, said, crankshaft having the same, cross-sectional dimensions and cae rce -n a e x ej e eels n? h n -e receive either the axle or the-crankshaft, and a seat adapted to be supported by the frame at "the point where said crankshaft hangeris*se cured to the frame when said hanger is in its first mentioned position, and adapted to be supported by said frame forward of said point when said hanger is in its second mentioned position. "16; A convertible vehicle including a rear axle having a wheel rotatably' mounted on each "end "thereof, each wheel having means permitting 'the wheel to be non-rotatably secured to the axle, a vehicle frame having a removable extension provided with bearings for removably rotatably supporting the rear axle, whereby said frame can-be shortened by removal of the extension, means including a removable chain drive from mid-frame'to the rear axle enabling when attached the driving of the rear wheels and when removed the free rotation of the "rear wheels, said last-named means including a crankshaft and a hanger removably rotatably "supporting the crankshaft and being secured to the frame forwardly of the juncture of the "ex- "tension and the frame in which position it supports the crankshaft, said hanger having means for-connection to the frame at the rear end thereof when theextension is removed in which "position it is adapted-to receive the axle'for removably rotatably supporting the same, a seat adaptedto be post-removably connected at" its lower end to'the frame at the point wheresaid crankshaft hanger'is secured to the frame when said hanger is in its first mentioned position, 'andadapted to be supported by said frame forward of said pointwhensaid hanger is in its second mentioned-position, a seat having a' stem ---received in the upper end of and connected to the seat post and being removable and receivable in a hole provided the'frameforwardly of the post'to' enable provision of a seat when the post is removed. A

17: A'convertible vehicle including a rear axle having a wheel rotatably mounted'on each-end thereof, each wheel having means permitting the wheel to he non-rotatably secured to -"the -*axle,;a vehicleframe having a removable extensionyprovided with bearings for removablyrotatabl-y supporting the rear axle, whereby said frame canbe shortened by removal *of the extension, means including a removable chain drive from mid-frame tothe -rear-axle-enabling when-attached the driving of the' rear wheels and when removed the free rotation of the rear wheels, said last-named means including 1 a crankshaft and a hanger removably rotatably "*supporting the crankshaft and being secured "to '=the-"frame forwardlyofthe juncture of the extension-and'the frame in which position it supports the crankshaft; said hanger having i means for connection to the frame at the rear 1 end thereof when" the extension -is removed in -'='which position it is' adap'ted to receive the axle -'-for--=removably 'rotatably supporting the same, aseatsupported by the frame, and a step plate having lateral step portions and being secured to the extension, and having means for secure- -ment tothe hanger whenthe hanger issecured to'therear end of the frame.

1 l8. Abonvertible vehi'cle including a rear axle having a wheelrotatably mounted'on each end j '1 thereof, each wheel havingmeans' permitting the 'Wheel to be non-'r otatably secured tothe axle, a vehicleframe having a removable extensionprovided' with bearings for .removably rotatably, supporting the rear axle, whereby saidframecan be shortened by removal of the extension; meansincluding a removable chain drive from' mid frame to the" rear axle "enabling when attached the drivingroftherear wheels and when removed the free rotation of the'rear wheels, said last-named means including a crankshaft and a hanger reposition it is adapted to receive the axle for removably rotatably supporting the same, aseat post removably connected at its lower end to the hanger, and a seat having a stem receivedin the upper end'of and connected to the seat post and being removable and receivable in the frame forwardly of the post to enable provision-of a seat when the post is removed.

19. A-' convertible vehicle including a rear axle "having awheel rotatably mounted on each end.

thereof, each wheel having means permitting the 'wheel't'obe non-rotatably secured to the axle,

a vehicle frame having a, removable extension provided with bearings for removably rotatably hanger removably supporting the rear axle, whereby said frame can be'shortened by removal of the extension, means including a removable chain drive from midframe to'the rear axle enabling when attached the driving ofthe rear wheels and when removed the free rotation of the rear wheels, said lastnamed means including a crankshaft and a rotatably supporting the crankshaft and being securable to the frame forwardly of the juncture of the extension and the frame in which position it supports the crankshaft or to the frame at the juncture of the extension and the frame when-the extension is removed in which position it is adapted to .receive the axle for removably rotatably supporting the same, said hanger having a threaded bore and means for arranging the bore at an angle when said hanger supports the crankshaftand vertically when the hanger supports the axle, a seat post threaded at its lower end into the hanger when the hanger supports ,thecrankshaft and being removable when the hanger. supports the, axle, a seat having a stemreceived in the upper end of andconnected to'the seat post and being-removable and receivable in the frame forwardly of the post toenable the provision of a seat when the post is removed, and a step plate having lateral step'portions and securable to the extensionwhenthe'extension is attached to the frame and tothe hanger by means of a screw whenthe hanger supports the axle.

Number WAYNE WIESNER.

:Beferences'Citedin the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

